Rubio Backs Rick Scott on EPA Water Standards

Sen. Marco Rubio, who has been making a splash across the country with his recent stand against raising the debt ceiling, said Monday that he backs Florida Gov. Rick Scott in a fight against the Environmental Protection Agency, the Sunshine State New service reported Monday.

Scott, a Republican, is in a dispute with the EPA over water standards, which he says restrict job growth in the state.

“The EPA’s numeric nutrient regulations for Florida unjustifiably single out our state, place costly regulations on job creators, and put us at a competitive disadvantage with other states,” Rubio said. “In sum, the EPA’s numeric nutrient regulations destroy Florida jobs by raising the costs of doing business without so much as considering the regulatory efforts already in place and currently being pursued by the state.

“I applaud Governor Scott’s efforts on this issue and those undertaken by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to strike the appropriate balance to ensure that Florida's water is as clean as possible without unnecessarily hurting families, businesses and farmers,” Rubio added. “While I will continue working with my colleagues in Washington to prevent this EPA power grab from ruining Florida’s economy and preventing its expansion into other states, I urge the EPA to honor this petition and work with Florida’s officials to accomplish the dual goals of a vibrant economy and clean environment.”